Why Need Pap Smear ?*
Cervix Cancer is a very common or second most common cause of cancer-related disease among women worldwide. Cervical Cancer can be diagnosed by having regular Pap Smears, so having regular Pap Smear is the most important thing a woman can do to protect herself from developing cervical cancer. It can detect early pre-cancerous cervical changes before they become cancerours. These pre-cancerous changes can be treated. Women who have regular pap smears are less likely to develop cervical cancer as they are treated early during the pre-cancer stage as no once can predict who will develop cervical cancer.
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Who Should Have A Pap Smear ?
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A woman should have a pap smear if she:
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has reached the age of 18.
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is sexually active
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has been sexually active.
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How is a Pap Smear done ?
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You have to lie on the couch on your back with your knees up and bent and your feet in strrups, then doctor or nurse will use a small metal or plastic instrument called a speculum ( or duck mouth in layperson term ) to open the vagina so that the walls of the vagina and cervix can be seen clearly. A sample of mucus and cells will be obtained from the cervix and endocervix ( opening of the cervix ) using a wooden apatula, followed by a small cervical brush, the sample of cells is evenly applied to a glass slide and sprayed with a fixative. This sample is sent to the lab for close and careful examination under a microscope by a cytologist ( a specialist trained to look at the cells and interpret a pap smear ). You may experience some discomfort during the test. However, most women feel nothing at all or may feel pressure. If you stay relaxed, it will help stop any discomfort.
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Does Post-hysterectomy Woman still need Pap Smear ?
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A woman who had her womb removed ( hysterectomy ), should still have an annual screening if she had a previous history of abnormal smear results or other lower genital tract cancer.
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Is there any upper age limit for Pap Smear ?
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No, there is no upper age limit for screening because the incidence of cancer of the cervix increases with age at a time when women may be less likely to have a Pap Smear. Diagnosis of most of these cancers occurs in women over 50 years. Therefore, a woman should continue to have regular Pap Smear even after menopause.
